Andrew Miller placed on 10-day DL

Andrew Miller made it through two pitches last night before he grabbed at his left leg and was promptly removed from the game. He said that it was a similar feeling to what he had had a few years ago, and he only needed some rest after that. This time, things seem a little bit more serious:

Andrew Miller has been the rock of the Cleveland bullpen ever since he joined in 2016, and this season has been no different. So far in 2018, Miller has pitched in 10.0 innings and has yet to allow a run while walking four and striking out 17. He’s typically been used as a bridge between the starters and closer Cody Allen, so someone else will have to pick up those innings while Miller is out. Presumably, Tyler Olson may be able to fill in since he a) throws with his left hand and b) has been decent so far this year (8.0 IP, 3 ER, 4 H, 0 BB, 12 K).

To replace Miller’s spot on the current roster, the Indians have called up LHP Jeff Beliveau from Columbus. If you find yourself asking “who is Jeff Beliveau?”, don’t worry, you’re not alone. The 30-year-old has pitched a total of 60.2 innings at the major league level... across five seasons. He missed all of 2016 after having surgery to repair a torn left shoulder labrum. He’s got a low-90s fastball paired with a mid-80s cutter, a low-80s change, and a mid-70s curve. His best year was in 2014 with the Rays when he pitched 24.0 innings and gave up seven earned runs while walking seven and striking out 28 (which translates to an ERA+ of 144).

Beliveau is another body in the bullpen for Tito to call on. He is left-handed, so he may be higher in the pecking order than others (Matt Belisle) for that reason alone. Regardless, don’t expect him to come in and be Andrew Miller 2.0. The Indians bullpen just took a huge hit, and only time will tell how much of an impact that hit will have.